Why did you want to join the Youth Council?
I joined the Youth Council in hopes of laying the foundations for something greater on behalf of the young people in our region, and to help give a voice to a vital yet often under-represented demographic within our community. The Southern Highlands is a breathtakingly perfect story-book shire, and all members of our area are incredibly fortunate to have grown up in such idyllic surroundings. However, unfortunately, in recent years, Mittagong, Bowral and Moss vale (and other surrounding towns) have developed a reputation for being quiet and lacking in opportunities, particularly for youth. Outdated facilities and access to activities, entertainment, and future pathways has led many young people to feel disconnected or the compelled to leave our area, which is a something I am committed to helping change. I joined the youth council in hopes to contribute to our local governing body, the Wingecarribee Shire Council, in support of The Mayor, Jesse, through identifying the needs of like-minded teens around me and collaboratively designing solutions or improvements to prepare our shire for both current and future generations. I sincerely hope that the changes initiated by myself and my fellow Youth Council members will spark a lasting chain reaction of youth involvement in our shire for generations to come, and I am deeply grateful to be part of an initiative that strives to benefit others like myself and create meaningful, long-term impact within our community.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about innovation; in every aspect of society, and how we integrate new processes fit for the future into our close-knit town culture. Although I adore the Southern Highlands, our picturesque landscapes and lookouts, bush walks, waterfalls, charming streets and cottage homes, there are some aspects of countryside life that require change in order to keep up with the the rapidly-evolving world we live in. This is where the voice of the youth becomes critically important; I am passionate about transforming concerns and beliefs held by our youth community into tangible movements, actions, innovations, implementations, developments and lasting improvements that will generate outstanding results, benefits, and and engagement from all teenagers in our area.
What does a youth-friendly Wingecarribee Shire look like to you?
For me, a youth-friendly Wingecarribee Shire involves the acknowledgement and understanding of youths' needs in our area, and the coordination of movement towards meeting these proposals. When walking through Bowral, the local demographic leans heavily towards older age groups - highlighting the notable lack of young people out and about in our public spaces. Through the support of the youth council, I hope to contribute to meaningful improvements in several key areas. For instance the development of safe and versatile transport options (such as more accessible buses, footpaths, walking tracks, street lighting, pedestrian crossings, and closer proximity to essential amenities); engaging destinations and activities (including swimming holes, bush-walks, cycle tracks, entertainment venues, shopping centres, cafes, parks, and public gathering spaces); and dedicated study areas (such as study cafes, expanded library spaces, outdoor study zones including park tables and benches, and accessible study facilities in all towns) and so much more. Through collaboration with my fellow Youth Council Members I hope to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and youth-oriented community that empowers young people and enhances their everyday experiences across the shire.
What's one piece of advice you have for young people who want to create change in our community?
Some advice I would give to young people who are eager to spark change in our community is to not be afraid to voice your opinions. In today's world, people are listening and constantly searching for new perspectives as a means of innovation; there is no better time than the present to pitch ideas and suggestions. It is important to recognise that in order to make a difference, someone has to take the first step, so why not let that step be yours.